New Orleans looks to crack down on illegal activity this 4th of July

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - New Orleans Police will be cracking down on crime in the city this Fourth of July. City officials are stressing residents to be cautious and say they will be aggressively looking for people carrying illegal weapons.

They also warn that fireworks are dangerous and illegal. Officials stress everyone to refrain from firing weapons in the air or shooting fireworks, which they believe is best left to the professionals.

Chief Michael Harrison of the NOPD says his officers will be aggressively looking for people carrying illegal weapons.

Harrison details, "NOPD will be actively looking into any individuals firing weapons into the air they will be arrested and prosecuted to the full list extent of the law."

According to Harrison, the NOPD has already made 100 arrests in the French Quarter this year, a number that is much higher than last year.

According to the NOFD, fireworks account for 18,000 fires across the country each year.

Fire Chief Tim McConnell comments, "People think they're safer for children but sparklers cause significant injuries each year accounting for 29-percent of all fireworks injuries."

The NOFD also urges residents to be especially careful with backyard grills and to check gas grills for leaks.

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